Sam Robson backs out-of-form Alastair Cook ahead of second Test

But ahead of the second Test of the five-match series against India starting Thursday at Lord’s, Robson seemed confident about his opening partner’s return among runs.

“He’s (Cook) a world-class player, he’s one of England’s best-ever players there’s no doubt about that, we’re all aware of that,” Robson was quoted as saying by Sky Sports on Tuesday.

“All the close followers of the game who know what they’re talking about realise that as well,” he said.

“There is no doubt that runs are not far away for him.

It’s a tough game and it’s easy to get out and a few things haven’t gone his way in the last couple of Tests from what I can see at the other end.”

“Runs are around the corner for him there’s no doubt about it,” added the 25-year-old Robson, son of an Australia-born father and English-born mother, who grew up in Sydney but now plays his cricket for Middlesex.

“He (Cook) has been really good, he’s relaxed. As captain, he’s been really good to the young guys and to myself coming into the side.”

Meanwhile Robson also backed left-arm spinner Simon Kerrigan, who was called up into the 14-man squad ahead of the
second Test against India despite his woeful Test debut against Australia a year ago where he conceded 53 runs in just eight wicketless overs.

“Things didn’t go his way in his first Test (but) he’s a strong character, a great guy and he’s bowling well,” Robson, who made his Test debut at Lord’s against Sri Lanka last month, said.

“He was with us at Trent Bridge all week and he bowled really well in the nets there, and I’ve toured with him in Sri Lanka with the (second-string England) Lions in February and March and he bowled well there.

“Depending on what happens, if he plays I have got no doubt that he will do well,” he added.